Contributors
Tim Crites – Congregational President
Leslie Jones – LWML
Andy Sherrill – SPLHS Principal
Sara Bieser – SPLS Principal
Ben Wilson – Sunday School Leader
Jason Garner – Head Elder
Gary Cooper – Elder
Terri Schmitt – Pastor’s Wife
David Schmitt – Pastor
Feb. 18, 2026 Ash Wednesday
The Lord Jesus Christ on the night He was betrayed took bread… (1 Cor 11:23)
As we approach this Lenten season, let us take a close look at the scriptures, meaning, and ritual surrounding the celebration of the Service of the Sacrament in the Lutheran Church. We begin by looking at the Words of Institution. These are the words that have come to us through Holy Scripture that describe what happened on that night before our Lord was crucified.
These words from 1 Corinthians remind us of the gravity of the situation in which these words were given to us. It was the night Jesus was betrayed. Jesus knew what was happening. He told Judas to do what he would do quickly (John 13:27). Therefore, we know that what Jesus instituted that night was done with thought and intent. Jesus knew this would be one of the last things He told His disciples. His words were carefully chosen. He meant what He said.
When we hear these words recited in the Sacrament, remember, when Jesus said them, they were said within the context of Jesus knowing His death was imminent. He was very serious about what He said.
Dearest Jesus, thank you for Your words, Your life, and Your death, all given for me. – Amen.
Feb 19, 2026
“Take; this is My Body.” And He took the cup…He said to them, “This is My Blood of the covenant…” (Mk. 14:22-24)
Many people over the past 2000 years have tried to make sense of these words. What did Jesus mean by “My Body” and “My Blood?” It is important to remember what we considered yesterday. That Jesus knew that He would be killed the next day. What He said, He meant.
It is also important to remember that, as God, what Jesus says, happens. “Lazarus come out!” And Lazarus comes out. (John 11:43) He said to the waves and wind, “Be still” and they were still. (Mk. 4:39) What Jesus says, happens.
Therefore, it is no wonder, really, that when Jesus says, “this is My Body” and “this is My Blood,” that the bread and wine become His Body and His Blood. How? Because He said so. Why? Because He willed it.
It is not really for us to ponder what He meant. It is simply for us to know that this is what He said. When Jesus speaks, we simply listen and trust. Just as the waves on the Sea of Galilee did.
Holy Spirit, help our unbelieving hearts to hear the words of Jesus and believe. In His holy Name we pray. – Amen
Feb. 20, 2026
And He took bread, and when He had given thanks… (Luke 22:19)
The Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians reminds them to “give thanks in all circumstances.” (I Thes. 5:18) As we discussed yesterday, Jesus knew that this meal would be His Last Supper. He knew that the next day He would be tortured and die.
Yet, even in this circumstance, Jesus would give thanks to the Lord. He would give thanks for the meal, for the people around Him, and for all the good and perfect gifts He had received from His Father.
Each of us will face many trials in our lives. It is important that, even during our darkest trials, we remember to give thanks to God. For Jesus, through His death and resurrection, has won for us our eternal life with Him. No matter how bad things get, this cannot be taken from us.
Let us always be grateful for this and all the other good and perfect blessings that God has bestowed on us each and every day of our lives.
Most precious heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Your Only Begotten Son and the free gift of salvation He won for us on the cross. In His holy Name we pray. – Amen.
Feb 21, 2026
Drink of it, all of you, for this is My Blood of the covenant… (Mt. 26:28)
In both Matthew and Mark, the account of Jesus’ words includes this phrase, “My Blood of the covenant.” Other translations use the word “testament” rather than “covenant.” Both are legal terms that speak of binding deeds. Testament is a word often used in wills.
This new Sacrament that Jesus was instituting on this night was not a whim. It was not transitory. It was intentional. And it was intended to be handed down, one generation to another.
This was a new agreement between God and men. This was a New Testament. Not intended to replace the Old Testament. But to bring it to completion. To finalize the agreement between God and men quite literally in His blood.
God was in earnest when He said these words. He intended for us to listen. He intended to give us a gift we would use.
Holy Lord, thank You for this Testament in Your Blood. May we ever hold it holy. – Amen.
Feb. 22, 2026
…poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Mt. 26:28)
This New Covenant that Jesus instituted on Maundy Thursday was a Covenant with a clear promise. This cup of His Blood was poured out for a specific purpose – the forgiveness of sins.
This statement alone makes it difficult, if not impossible, to argue that the Sacrament of the Altar is simply a remembrance meal. This meal does something. And that something is that it forgives sins. Yes, its power is in the cross of Christ, which can be said for salvation itself. But Jesus is referring to the Blood in the cup. This Blood, in the cup, is the Blood from the cross. It is not simply a remembrance; it is the real thing.
In 1 Cor 10, Paul tells us that taking this bread and cup unworthily makes a person guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. This meal has power. It does not track that eating simple bread and drinking simple wine could make someone guilty of the Body and Blood of Christ if the Body and Blood were not present.
Precious Lord, Whose Body was broken and Whose Blood was spilled on the cross, help us to trust in the power of Your Holy Supper. In Your holy Name we pray. – Amen.